ADDRESSING THE LEGAL SUPPLY CHAIN BOTTLENECK
Hochul Takes Aim at Illicit Dispensaries
AMA Approves Psychedelic Billing Codes
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Publisher’s Letter
Thanks for reading another issue of CannaBuff magazine. Since our last issue, Reuben McDaniel, a key regulator on the State’s cannabis control board resigned, and aside from our Native American friends, there are still no licensed dispensaries open in WNY.
After attending our first CCB board meeting last month, it seems the state is determined to help farmers find a way to sell their product as soon as possible.
In this issue, we highlight a new initiative that would allow farmers to sell cannabis at farmers markets and festivals through grower showcases. We also share how the State hopes to rein in the illicit market, an update on psychedelic therapies, and much more.
As always thanks for reading! Don’t forget to subscribe to our email list and follow us on social media. Visit CannaBuff.com to learn more and stay up to date on all the latest news and insights from CannaBuff’s team.
Geoff Brown | FOUNDER, CANNABUFF
DISCLAIMER: The information and documents herein (the content) are intended for personal, noncommercial, general informational purposes, do not constitute medical advice, and are not a substitute for the advice of a medical provider or other licensed professional. CannaBuff makes no warranty, express or implied, concerning the accuracy, completeness, reliability, timeliness, correctness, suitability, merchantability, or fitness for any particular purpose of the content, and in no event shall CannaBuff or its employees be liable for damages resulting from reading or use of the content. References to specific commercial products, or services by tradename, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, do not constitute or imply an endorsement or recommendation by CannaBuff.
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James
Creative
Justin
Distribution & Advertising Pavel Belov Design and Cover Design Deedee Clohessy
Brown Associate Publisher
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Director
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CannaBuff.com PHONE (716) 218-0624 EMAIL Geoff@CannaBuff.com MAILING ADDRESS CannaBuff LLC • PO Box 1170 • Buffalo NY 14213
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INSTAGRAM @CannaBuffMag FACEBOOK @CannaBuffNY TWITTER @CannaBuffNY CannaBuff does not promote or endorse the use of cannabis by anyone under the age of 21. Age specific content and ads are marked with the "Ages 21+" icon. Enjoy responsibly. A G ES 21 + Age-Specific Content Advisory Board Terrance Bellnier, RPh, MPA Maria Janda, PharmD Michael Monzillo, MS Jake Schecter, RN Subscribe By Mail: ISSUE 16 • SUMMER 2023 21 New York to Launch Cannabis Farmers’ Markets 9 American Medical Association OKs CPT Code for Psychedelic Therapies 12 Medical Cannabis Companies to Pay $20M Fees to Branch into Recreational Sales 10 Corruption in Cannabis: A Multi-State Saga Can New York State learn from Michigan and Oregon’s mistakes? 14 Legislative Update: Equity Plans are Non-Negotiable for Adult-Use Applicants 11 Local 338 is New York State’s First & Only Cannabis Union 22 Governor Hochul and OCM Crack Down on Illicit Dispensaries 24-26 NEWLY EXPANDED Cannabis Business Directory 5 SUMMER 2023 | CannaBuff.com
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A G ES 21 +
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American Medical Association OKs
CPT Code for Psychedelic Therapies
ALTHOUGH NONE ARE yet approved by the FDA, the American Medical Association has approved a Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code for psychedelic treatments.
CPT codes provide healthcare professionals a means to seek reimbursement for the delivery of FDA-approved medicines. The new code is the result of a joint effort pursued by Compass Pathways ($CMPS) and MAPS Public Benefit Corporation, who are both working on psychedelic-based therapies hoping to gain FDA approval.
Compass Pathways is evaluating a psilocybin therapy for treatment-resistant depression that is currently in phase 3. Experts say the approval of psilocybin could be seen in the next few years, but not likely before 2025.
Peter Thiel-backed company Atai Life Sciences ($ATAI) holds a 20% stake in Compass Pathways. MAPS has already finished two phase 3 trials of MDMA-assisted therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Compass officials stated that they decided to seek approval of the code after learning about difficulties experienced with reimbursement for Johnson & Johnson’s esketamine nasal spray (Spravato®), which is already FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression and requires 2 hours of monitoring after administration.
Providers of Spravato® have faced some difficulties navigating reimbursement for the monitoring period.
The new CPT code is specifically for the time a provider spends with the patient, not the drug itself. AMA’s former CPT director Michael Beebe said the two parts of psychedelic-assisted therapy—the drug and the assisting healthcare professional—are what makes it a different type of treatment modality.
The new code will cover the existing reimbursement gap for psychological support provided during psilocybin therapy sessions which are usually around 6 to 8 hours long. Psychotherapy given before and after treatment, such as preparation and integration sessions, would be covered by existing CPT codes for psychotherapy.
To be clear, reimbursement of the new CPT code will not be mandatory. Payers will look at the published clinical data and decide if it can be replicated in real-world conditions, keeping in mind that it is directed to patients who have not responded to traditional therapies and have limited alternatives.
Ultimately, it will be up to both public and commercial payers to decide whether they want to cover these codes and pay for psychedelic treatments. The approval of these codes by AMA is certainly a step in the right direction and helps bring psychedelic therapies one step closer to the patients who need them.
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RECENTLY, THE BURGEONING cannabis industry in New York State has captivated the attention of entrepreneurs, investors, and consumers alike. Simultaneously, we are beginning to see examples around the country of alleged corruption and illicit practices which threaten that very potential. As NYS patiently waits to see how their marketplace unfolds, states like Michigan and Oregon are looking back at some potentially grave
A MULTI-STATE SAGA
missteps that many hope will not be repeated at home.
MICHIGAN
Michigan has emerged as a hotbed of bribery and illicit practices within the cannabis industry. A federal investigation into corruption within Michigan’s cannabis industry has unveiled a web of bribery and misconduct starting with former House Speaker Rick Johnson. The investigation has revealed a
network of individuals who allegedly sought personal gain by engaging in illegal activities.
Key players, including influential politicians, business leaders, and industry insiders, have been implicated in the scandal involving kickbacks, and pay-to-play schemes, which have compromised the integrity of the state’s cannabis licensing process. The scandal not only erodes public trust in the regulatory processes governing the industry but also casts a shadow over legitimate businesses operating in the state. The negative repercussions may extend beyond the immediate consequences of the investigation, potentially hampering the growth and development of Michigan’s cannabis marketplace.
OREGON
Oregon’s thriving cannabis industry, known for its progressive approach to marijuana legalization, is facing a major upheaval as allegations of corruption begin to cast a shadow over its licensing process too. Shemia Fagan, former Oregon Secretary of State, finds herself at the center of a federal grand jury investigation due to her alleged ties to the cannabis industry, including providing consulting services while
still in office. Fagan signed a contract with Veriede Holding LLC, a subsidiary of La Mota, one of the state’s most prominent cannabis companies. Fagan says she agreed to help Veriede research and understand cannabis laws and paths to licensure in states outside Oregon. As a former state senator, Fagan played a pivotal role in shaping Oregon’s cannabis regulations.
NEW YORK
A NYCI investigation published in January revealed the organizations tasked with raising and managing NY’s $200 million cannabis social equity fund were illequipped to do so. The investigation implicated former NBA guard Chris Webber and cannabis entrepreneur Jason Wild. The rapid growth of the cannabis industry across the country has provided fertile ground for corruption to take root, as demonstrated by these recent high-profile cases in Oregon and Michigan. As NYS’s own fledgling industry continues to take shape, it is crucial that stakeholders and regulators work together to ensure integrity and accountability, maintain the spirit of the legislation, and cultivate a level playing field for all those involved in this new marketplace.
10 CannaBuff.com | SUMMER 2023
Local 338: New York’s First and Only Cannabis Union
LOCAL 338 RWDSU/UFCW first introduced cannabis workers into their organization in 2015, soon after the introduction of NY’s medical marijuana program. With recreational (i.e. adult-use) cannabis sales off to a slow start here in New York State, Local 338 is actively advocating for higher paying jobs and fair treatment of workers throughout the cannabis industry.
Expectations for job creation in the state are massive with early studies projecting up to 30,000 new jobs will be created by legal cannabis. Local 338 is making sure NY’s cannabis industry evolves into the job-creation machine that’s been promised by fostering a pipeline of sustainable careers, and eventually secure retirement, for cannabis workers.
Local 338 RWDSU/UFCW organization
represents around 13,000 workers, and anywhere from 500-600 workers across both the medical and adult-use cannabis industry. Here in Western New York, they represent approximately 40 workers, many of whom work for the State’s registered organizations like Green Thumb Industries (RISE), PharmaCann, and MedMen. These companies run vertically integrated medical marijuana dispensary operations, and Local 338 represents cannabis workers employed along the full supply chain.
Local 338 covers a variety of industries with a strong focus on retail workers and has represented workers since the 1920s. The cannabis business has close ties to retail, so it only made sense for Local 338 to bring cannabis workers into their umbrella.
Local 338 is available for cannabis companies that are seeking a place in NY’s legal cannabis marketplace by offering Labor Peace Agreements (LPA), which are required for application regardless of which license type or how many employees a business will be employing. As an established labor organization, they can help fulfill this legal requirement for cannabis businesses who have been awarded a conditional license or who are hoping to win a license. A labor peace agreement is an agreement between a Union and an employer under which both parties agree to waive certain rights under Federal law with regard to workers’ right to form a union.
For more information, please visit cannabislpa.com or call Local 338 at 516-294-1338 ext. 1420.
11 SUMMER 2023 | CannaBuff.com
Local 338 Retail, Wholesale, Department Store Union/United Food and Commercial Workers (RWDSU/UFCW) is New York State’s one and only cannabis workers union.
Medical Cannabis Companies to Cough Up $20M Fee
CANNABIS WAS LEGALIZED in New York State more than two and half years ago and only 13 licensed dispensaries have opened since. So far, the rising demand for cannabis has been partially filled by more than 1400 illicit cannabis stores that have opened across the state, more on this on page 21. Licensed cultivators are also stuck with hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of cannabis they can’t sell because there aren’t enough licensed retail outlets.
With all of this going on, and NY’s cannabis industry in a state of crisis, many are wondering when New York’s 10 medical cannabis licensees, commonly called “registered organizations” (ROs), may get to expand to the recreational market.
Originally, the rollout of adult-use cannabis sales intended to prioritize 150 (now 300) social equity retailers, referred to in New York as Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensaries (CAURD), through the state’s “Seeding Opportunity Initiative.”
As part of that plan, CAURD licensees were to be given a 3-year head start before the larger corporations, known as Multi-State Cannabis Operators (MSOs), that currently serve the state’s medical cannabis program could expand their dispensaries to adult-use.
But now, this may be happening much sooner than expected.
The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM)
published a draft of revised adult-use regulations that would allow ROs to expand up to three retail locations to adult-use sales, including a first site in December, 2023—two years earlier than originally proposed. The businesses would then be allowed to open two more retail stores in June 2024.
However, ROs would also have to pay an initial one time “special licensing fee” of $20 million to New York State. OCM officials say these fees would be used to support NY’s Social and Economic Equity Plan. Less than three months after adult-use sales started via the first licensed CAURD dispensary, the Coalition for Access to Regulated and Safe Cannabis (CARSC) filed a lawsuit in Albany, alleging that regulators overstepped their bounds based on the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA).
CARSC includes many of New York’s medical cannabis MSOs, such as Acreage Holdings, Curaleaf Holdings, Green Thumb Industries, and PharmaCann Inc.
CARSC says that the OCM’s policies have delayed the availability of regulated cannabis products for recreational consumers and that locking out medical cannabis operators and other entrepreneurs with access to capital to quickly open retail dispensaries is contrary to the goals of the MRTA and the public health of New Yorkers.
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Empire State Cannabis Update: Social & Economic Equity is Non-Negotiable for Adult-Use Applicants
The MRTA will require all those who are awarded licenses to implement a SEE plan that benefits communities and people disproportionally impacted by the enforcement of cannabis laws.
THE SPIRIT OF THE MRTA: STRUCTURE BENEFITS SOCIAL EQUITY
When New York State passed the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) in March of 2021, legalizing the possession and use of cannabis by adults 21 and older, the state placed emphasis on incentivizing participation in the new industry for individuals and communities disproportionally impacted by cannabis prohibition. Building a fair, inclusive, and equitable foundation for the New York market was at the forefront of the MRTA.
At its core, the MRTA seeks to accomplish two major objectives: (1) generate needed tax revenue for the state; and (2) make substantial investments in communities and people most impacted by cannabis criminalization.
The MRTA aims to invest 40% of its newly generated tax revenue toward rebuilding communities harmed by the
War on Drugs through the New York State Community Reinvestment Grant Fund (the “Fund”). Qualified community-based nonprofit organizations and local governments could apply for funding through the Fund to support community revitalization efforts. Additionally, the MRTA establishes a goal to award 50% of all adult-use licenses to social and economic equity (SEE) applicants, including:
(a) individuals who have lived in communities disproportionally impacted by the War on Drugs; (b) minority and women-owned businesses; (c) distressed farmers; and (d) service-disabled veteran-owned businesses.
Pursuant to §64 of the MRTA, those that are awarded licenses are required to implement a SEE plan that benefits communities and people disproportionally impacted by the enforcement of cannabis laws and later provide evidence of the execution of such plan when prompted
THE NEW YORK SOCIAL EQUITY & ECONOMIC PLAN
To implement the goals of the MRTA, the Cannabis Control Board (CCB), in consultation with the Chief Equity Officer and the Executive Director of the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), created the New York Social Equity & Economic (NYSEE) Plan. The 86-page plan provides relevant background information on cannabis prohibition and outlines the equity pillars for the cannabis industry in New York including: (a) prioritizing small, independent businesses; (b) building trust within those communities most impacted; (c) investing resources for SEE groups to get involved; and (d) educating the public on their rights in accordance with the Cannabis Law and regulations.
The NYSEE Plan also lists current social equity initiatives, with the Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) program being among one of the most well-known. CAURD licensees are the first retail dispensaries to open for legal adult-use retail cannabis sales in New York State, and most of these businesses are owned by justice-involved individuals. Other current initiatives include the New York Social Equity Cannabis Investment Fund, the Cannabis Compliance Training and Mentorship Program, and various business support services to strengthen the operation of cannabis entrepreneurs. A glimpse into what the future of the cannabis industry will look like under the NYSEE Plan demonstrates the state’s commitment to SEE.
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A G ES 21 + 14 CannaBuff.com | SUMMER 2023
CANNABIS BUSINESSES SHOULD HIGHLIGHT SOCIAL EQUITY
The key takeaway for hopeful permanent (non-conditional) market applicants is that the strongest applications will be those that include a strong SEE component, which will need to be in the form of a written SEE plan. Given that SEE is one of the two major pillars of the MRTA and to date, the CCB and OCM have attempted to prioritize SEE groups in the initial stages of the market, a robust social equity plan with measurable initiatives is non-negotiable. Having a sincere plan to show how your cannabis company intends to benefit those communities disproportionately impacted by the War on Drugs, especially for businesses that do not qualify as SEE applicants themselves, is a major advantage in the application process.
To date, OCM has provided little guidance on what a social equity plan must include, but this is unsurprising; a SEE plan for a cultivator located in a rural community is likely (and should be) largely different from a SEE plan for a retail dispensary located in a suburban or metropolitan area. Indeed, the lack of guidance from OCM properly allows companies to offer their respective communities unique benefits and collaborations such as sourcing products from minority-owned cultivators, providing financial support for local nonprofits, planning community programming, and providing workforce and business training.
As the first permanent market applications are expected to release around Labor Day, now is the time for cannabis businesses to formalize their SEE plans – and the sooner the better.
The Lippes Mathias Cannabis Practice Team will continue to monitor developments in New York’s burgeoning cannabis industry, including any SEE developments and initiatives, as well as the timeline for the release of permanent market applications. If you have any questions, please contact one of our attorneys.
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RYAN V. STEARNS THOMAS B. HUGHES JOSEPH W. SCHAFER
WRITTEN BY Ryan V. Stearns, Thomas B. Hughes, & Joseph W. Schafer OF LIPPES MATHIAS LLP
Significant research and editorial assistance provided by Amanda Sauciunac, Paralegal at Lippes Mathias LLP.
A G ES 21 + A G ES 21 + 15 SUMMER 2023 | CannaBuff.com
As the first permanent market applications are expected to release around Labor Day, now is the time for cannabis businesses to formalize their SEE plans – and the sooner the better.
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ew York is set to launch a pilot program for cannabis farmers’ markets this summer, in an effort to unclog the state’s legal cannabis supply chain.
Many people, including members of the Cannabis Association of New York and Cannabis Farmers Association showed support for these “Grower Showcases” at the OCM’s public meeting held in Buffalo at Roswell Park on June 15th.
The program, which was announced by the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) on May 26, will allow conditional cultivators and retailers to organize and sell cannabis products at farmers’ markets.
The move is a response to the fact that only 13 dispensaries have opened for business in New York since the state legalized adult-use
products. The farmers’ markets are also expected to create jobs and generate tax revenue for the state.
The OCM plans to launch the pilot program in the summer of 2023. If successful, the program could be expanded to other parts of the state.
BENEFITS OF CANNABIS FARMERS’ MARKETS
• Provide a direct market for cultivators to sell their products.
• Give consumers more options for purchasing cannabis.
• Create jobs and generate tax revenue.
CHALLENGES OF CANNABIS FARMERS’ MARKETS
• May be difficult to regulate.
Despite these challenges, cannabis farmers’ markets have the potential to be a positive force for the state’s legal cannabis industry. They can help to address the supply chain challenges, give consumers more options, and create jobs and tax revenue.
CONCLUSION
cannabis in 2021. This has created a bottleneck in the supply chain, with cultivators struggling to sell their crop.
The farmers’ markets are seen as a way to help cultivators offload their excess product and generate much-needed revenue.
The OCM has not yet released details on how the farmers’ markets will operate. However, it is expected that they will be similar to traditional farmers’ markets, with cultivators setting up booths and selling their products directly to consumers.
The introduction of cannabis farmers’ markets is a positive development for the state’s legal cannabis industry. It will help to address the supply chain challenges and give consumers more options for purchasing cannabis
• May be opposed by some communities.
New York’s cannabis farmers’ markets are a promising new development for the state’s legal cannabis industry. They have the potential to address the supply chain challenges, give consumers more options, and create jobs and tax revenue. The program is still in its early stages, but it has the potential to be a major success.
TO
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NEW YORK TO LAUNCH CANNABIS FARMERS’ MARKETS
UNCLOG SUPPLY CHAIN
21 SUMMER 2023 | CannaBuff.com
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HOCHUL TAKES AIM AT ILLICIT DISPENSARIES
Under new legislation, Governor Kathy Hochul has given the OCM increased enforcement power to close illicit dispensaries and issue fines of up to $20,000 per day.
WHILE THE OFFICE of Cannabis Management (OCM) has struggled to get dispensaries opened up throughout the state, they’ve continued to battle the pervasive problem of countless illicit dispensaries stealing market share from licensed or soon-to-be licensed dispensaries. Since decriminalization decreased penalties for possessing cannabis, the initial cease and desist letters the OCM mailed these operators were not very effective.
But in May, Governor Hochul signed new legislation giving the OCM new enforcement power to close and penalize illicit cannabis dispensaries. By increasing penalties for unlawful cultivation, distribution, and possession, the state intends to send a strong message that illegal cannabis operations will face severe consequences including fines up to $20,000 per day.
Other details of the plan include granting the OCM the authority to seize product and shutdown shops for good. This measure aims to resolve the fact that many illegal businesses continue to operate and simply ignore cease and desist letters. The biggest deterrent of all may be the ability of the Department of Taxation and Finance to pursue illicit dispensaries for unpaid taxes on cannabis sales. The legislation defines a new type of tax fraud that includes failing to collect and pay required taxes on cannabis sales. This means illicit dispensaries may be liable for massive amounts in back taxes owed to New York State.
Now, with new laws in place, we’ll see if NY is able to enforce the legal market and fulfill their aim of safeguarding public safety while promoting economic opportunities for marginalized communities.
AS GOVERNOR HOCHUL AND THE OCM CONTINUE TO CRACK DOWN ON ILLICIT DISPENSARIES, SIGNS LIKE THIS WILL APPEAR ON THE DOORS OF BUSINESSES FOUND TO BE OPERATING WITHOUT A LICENSE.
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ARE YOU A LICENSED CANNABIS BUSINESS? Cultivator Processor Distributor Dispensary Delivery Provider Consumption Lounge Provide your license number and mailing address at cannabuff.com/contact-us and you’ll receive: A FREE lifetime mail subscription to Cannabuff Magazine and FREE listing in our directory! Help us grow and support the NYS Legal Cannabis Industry! cannabuff.com | 716.218.0624 cannabuffmag cannabuffny cannabuffny
Cannabis Business Directory
CANNABIS & RELATED BUSINESSES LOCATED IN UPSTATE & WESTERN NEW YORK
UPSTATE CANNABIS BUSINESS DIRECTORY SPONSORED BY ART OF GLASS WHOLESALE
CANNABIS BUSINESSES
NYS MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARIES
The Botanist
192 Seneca St, Buffalo, NY 14204 (716) 322-4411
Columbia Care
200 W Ridge Rd, Rochester, NY 14615 (585) 678-8390
Říše 1150 University Ave B5-S7, Rochester, NY 14607 (585) 242-0203
MedMen
6850 Main St., Buffalo, NY 14221 (716) 954-8276
Verilife
25 N Pointe Pkwy #30, Amherst, NY 14228 (716) 210-9496
CAURD DISPENSARIES
Housing Works Cannabis, LLC
750 Broadway New York, NY 10003
https://hwcannabis.co/
Smacked Village
144 Bleecker Street New York, NY 10012
https://getsmacked.online/
Just Breathe
75 Court Street Binghamton, NY 13901
https://justbreathelife.org/
Union Square Travel Agency
62 E 13th Street New York, NY 10003
https://www.unionsquaretravelagency.com/
William Jane Corporation
119-121 E State Street Ithaca, NY 14850
https://williamjane420.com/
Good Grades, LLC
162-03 Jamaica Avenue Jamaica, NY 11432
https://www.goodgradesnyc.com/
Upstate Canna Co
1613 Union Street Schenectady, NY 12309
https://upstate-canna.co/
Dazed
33 Union Sq. W New York, NY 10003
https://dazed.fun/
Gotham CAURD LLC
3 E 3rd Street New York,NY 10003
https://gotham.nyc
Flynnstoned Corporation
219 Walton St Syracuse, NY 13202
https://flynnstoned.com/
**DELIVERY ONLY**
**Elevate ADK** Plattsburgh, NY https://elevateadk.com/
**Essential Flowers** Albany, NY https://legacydispensers.com
**Stage One Cannabis LLC** Rensselaer, NY https://stageonedispensary.com/
**Half Island Flavors LLC** Bronx, NY https://myseshnyc.com/
**Social Equity CAURD JV LLC** Richmond Hill https://thecannabisplace.org
PROVISIONAL LICENSEES: WNY REGION
• Aaron Van Camp- Owned by Aaron Van Camp in Buffalo
• AMSM LLC- Owned by Gina Miller & Glen Miller in West Seneca
• Flower City Shop LLC-Jamie Donato-Rivera and Phetnakhone Duangtavilay of Rochester
• Premier Earth Corp.- Owned by Joseph Wojciechowski in Buffalo
• Empire State Gallery Holdings, LLC out of Brooklyn
• Nickel City Green, LLC out of Buffalo Joel Giambra and Darcell Thomas
• OCC WNY Ventures from West Valley in Catt. Co.
• EK Green LLC from the Buffalo area
• Canary Cannabis Co. LLC out of Rochester
• ERIETREEHOUSE CORPORATION out of Syracuse
• Devil’s Lettuce LLC from Tonawanda
• Coronado LLC. out of Buffalo
• New York Finest Luxury Car & Limousince Service LLC from Yonkers
• Bradley | Kyler DBA Herbal I.Q.
• New York Dispensary LLC
• Jaylin M. Smith, (Niagara]
PROVISIONAL LICENSEES: FINGER LAKES REGION
• Loretto Non-profit Affiliate, Syracuse Area
• MJ Dispensary LLC, (Monroe)
• William J. Wheeler (Broome)
• Mach Enterprises LLC (Monroe)
• High Points of the Finger Lakes, LLC (Ontario)
• Northfield Consulting, LLC (Monroe)
• CannaLife, LLC (Tompkins)
RECREATIONAL DISPENSARIES ON NATIVE LAND
Adlai’s Smoke Dispensery 12689 Route 438, Irving, NY (716) 698-4671
Alien Greenz on I-Hill Dispensary 11035 Redeye Dr, Perrysburg, NY 14129 (716)-239-1752
CannaRawgus Dispensary 12789 NY-438, Irving, NY 14081 (716) 202-9961
GoodLeaf 716
14411 NY-438, Gowanda, NY 14070 (716) 532-HIGH (4444)
GoodLeaf Salamanca 730 Broad Street, Salamanca, NY 14779 (716) 945-HIGH (4444)
Green Wolf Dispensary
12156 Brant Reservation Rd, Irving, NY 14081
HollyWeed 10951 Lakeshore Rd, Irving, NY 14081
The Lab Dispensary
10924 Old Lake Shore Rd, Irving, NY 14081 (716)-868-8694 • (716) 799-5446
T.H.Chiefs
12134 Rt. 438 Irving, NY 14081 (716) 934-5130
Top Shelf Dispensary 5062 Green Rd, Lewiston, NY 14092
TESTING LABORATORIES & SAMPLING FIRMS
Biotrax Testing Laboratories
3580 Harlem Rd #2, Buffalo, NY 14215 (716) 651-0146
CONSUMPTION LOUNGES & EVENTS
CannaHouse
Canna-House.com
The Roaring 420s Lounge
794 French Rd, Cheektowaga, NY 14227
Did you know...in the 1920s, cannabis lounges called “Tea Pads” began appearing in cities around the United States. Tea Pads became popular with folks who wanted to hang out and consume cannabis, usually for less than 25 cents. New York City had more than 500 such establishments by 1930.
wholesale
A G ES 21 +
24 CannaBuff.com | SUMMER 2023
LICENSED CANNABIS CULTIVATORS
LICENSED CANNABIS PROCESSORS
ERIE COUNTY
Donald Spoth Farm dspoth@verizon.net
Hop n Hemp Tea DBA Buffalo Kind andrewtkrouse@gmail.com
Morris Hemp LLC
Jeff.morris747@gmail.com
New York Seed Laboratory LLC MichaelCasacci@gmail.com
Paul’s Pottery, LLC paulmcohn@gmail.com
Three Cord Ranch LLC tdgiolando@gmail.com
Waterman’s Greenhouse LLC watermansflowers@gmail.com
Weiss Farms, LLC weissfarmseden@gmail.com
Yager Farms Inc mtyager@hotmail.com
NIAGARA COUNTY
Akron Bloom LLC akronbloom@gmail.com
Jeanette M Miller jeanettemiller024@gmail.com
N&M Farms, LLC
BOBQBI@aol.com
Niagara Hemp Supply, LLC jim@onehempholistics.com; Kari@onehempholistics.com; Miranda@onehempholistics.com
Singer Farm Naturals LLC tom@singerfarmnaturals.com
Trucann LLC / Trucann paalelfstrum@.com
ADVOCACY & EDUCATION
Colleges
Cornell College of Agriculture & Life Sciences
Hemp.cals.cornell.edu
Erie County Community College
(716) 851-1322
Finger Lakes Community College flcc.edu
Niagara County Community College
3111 Saunders Settlement Rd, Sanborn, NY 14132
(716) 614-6222
SUNY Cobleskill
Cannabis Science MinorCobleskill.edu
Syracuse University
cannabisprograms@syr.edu
Non-profits
Mission [Green]
TheWeldonProject.org/MissionGreen
Last Prisoner Project
LastPrisonerProject.org
Hemp Lab NY facebook.com/NYHempLab
ALLEGANY COUNTY
Green Wells Venture LLC kanapecollective@gmail.com
MONROE COUNTY
Empire Agricultural Services,LLC frankmahns1212@gmail.com
ROC Dispensary and Hydroponics LLC info@rochester420.com; Patriot Farms patriotfarms1954@gmail.com; Glenna & Co. LLC glenna.colaprete@gmail.com; POWER LINE THC preitschky@marnscda.com
Gflower LLC
chriscflagg@msn.com; gflowerfloraculture@ gmail.com; seek4earth@gmail.com Sparkle Holdings, LLC mick@sparkleholdings.com
Agricultural Development Services LLC cwildman@agtogo.com
CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY
Weaver Road Farms LLC WRFLLC@hotmail.com
The Releaf Market LLC / DBA Releaf Market info@thereleafmarket.com
Fare Thee Well Farm, Inc. craigsteven.cr@gmail.com
Tadt Services LLC terpenealchemygrow@gmail.com
CATTARAUGUS COUNTY
Rural Resurgence LLC farmerstew@gmail.com
ANCILLARY BUSINESSES
Public Officials
Jeremey Cooney 280 E.Broad St. Ste 110 Roch.NY 14604 (585) 225-3650
Office of Assembly Majority Leader
Crystal Peoples-Stokes
425 Michigan Ave. Buffalo, NY 14203
(716) 897-9714
Chuck Schumer Leo O’Brien Building, Room 827 Albany, NY 12207
(518) 431-4070
WNY NORML (716) 440-1560 wnynorml@gmail.com
BUSINESS SERVICES
Banking & Payment Processing EMS NY 866-367-1818 420MerchantServices.com
New Line Processing 7954 Transit Rd, Buffalo, NY 14221 (800) 865-6792
Bookkeeping
Canna Bookkeeper LLC
@cannabookkeeper
CannaBookkeeper@gmail.com
ERIE COUNTY
Chocolate Delivery Systems, Inc
tthill@chocolatedeliverysystems.com
Northeast Botanicals Distribution LLC
716-259-9001 info@bisonbotanics.com
NIAGARA COUNTY
One Hemp, LLC/dba One Hemp Holistics Niagara Kari@onehempholistics.com
716-465-8787
Trucann LLC paalelfstrum@me.com
917-502-1863
ICH Industries LLC
buster.isennock@gmail.com
402-983-7726
MONROE COUNTY
Glenna & Co. LLC
glenna.colaprete@gmail.com
585-435-9283
NOWAVE LLC sales@nowave.com
585-201-8994
For a complete state-wide list of licensed cultivators and processors, contact the Office of Cannabis Management.
Website: cannabis.ny.gov/adult-use
Phone: 1-888-OCM-5151 (1-888-626-5151)
Capital & Lending Companies
Bengal Capital BengalCap.com
La Hoja Capital Management LaHoja.cc
Panther Group ThePantherGroup.com
Poseidon Asset Management PoseidonAssetManagement.com
Home Grow Consultants
Plant It Express PlantItExpressNY.com rbell@plantitexpressny.com
Insurance
JD Chapman Insurance Agency (585)-394-5482 jdchapmaninc.com
Legal Representation
Patrick J. Hines
Hodgson & Russ, LLP (716) 848-1679 phines@hodgsonruss.com
Joseph W. Schafer
Lippes Mathias, LLP (716) 853-5100 x1394 jschafer@lippes.com
Licensing Consultants/ Advisors/Lobbyists
Castetter Cannabis Group info@csghemp.com CastetterCannabis.com
SLA Solutions
SLASolutions.com info@slasolutions.com
Upstate Strategic Advisors, LLC
Sam.Hoyt@UpstateStrategicAdvisors.com 716-830-1958 PO Box 61, Buffalo NY 14213
Marketing & Advertising
BFS Brand Influencer marketing @bfsbrand on IG
CannaBuff Print and Digital Advertising Advertising@cannabuff.com
FLX420
Print advertising
Flx420.com
Range Marketing Custom Websites and SEO Rangemarketing.com
Spring Big Text message marketing Springbig.com CONTINUED NEXT
PAGE 25 SUMMER 2023 | CannaBuff.com
Payroll Processing
Wurk
Cannabis friendly payroll processing Enjoywurk.com
Product Design IV Thought ivthought.com
Product Packaging
CannaZip
958 Maple Rd, Williamsville NY 14221 716-400-7005
www.cannazipbags.com
Wholesalers & Distributors
Art of Glass Wholesale
50 French Rd, Cheektwga, NY 14227
FireGlassCo @fireglassco
Ground Level Distribution (716) 775-7969
MEBCO (716) 560-0908
MEDICAL CANNABIS PRACTITIONERS
For a full list of practitioners who consent to being listed publicly please visit the NYS Department of Health’s MMJ program website.
Dawn M Springer FNP-BC 716-359-7457 dawn1008@gmail.com
Gerald Frisicaro-MS/ANP DBA
3911 N Buffalo St, Orchard Park, NY 14127 (716) 662-1795
Jarod Masci, MD of Landmark Health Systems
387 Franklin St, Buffalo, NY 14202 (716) 462-0284
Nerfis Elminowski, DNP-BC of Adult Health DNP PC
2234 Seneca St, Buffalo, NY 14210 (716) 331-3322
Sherry Verostko-Slazak, ANP-BC of Advanced Integrative Care 8207 Main Street Williamsville, NY 14221 (716)-277-0267
RETAIL BUSINESSES
Cannabinoid Hemp Retailers
Bison Botanics
1100 Military Rd Unit 1, Buffalo, NY 14217 (716) 259-9001
Buffalo Botanicals Derby, NY 14047 (716) 200-7459
Buffalo Sport & Spine 100 College Pkwy, Buffalo, NY 14221 (716) 626-0093
The Kokoro Way Tonawanda 1856 Colvin Blvd, Tona., NY 14150 (716) 930-4073
The Kokoro Way Clarence 10255 Main St #2, Clarence, NY 14031 (716) 930-4073
The Kokoro Way East Aurora 712 Main St, East Aurora, NY 14052 (716) 930-4073
One Hemp Holistics 2023 Military Rd, Niagara Falls, NY 14304 (716) 362-9499
Remedy Hemp Boutique 7224 Buffalo Ave, Niagara Falls, NY 14304 (716) 538-8001
Sativa Remedy
19 Main St, Tonawanda, NY 14150 (716) 260-1324
Your CBD Store Kenmore
3191 Delaware Ave, Kenmore, NY 14217 (716) 768-2020
Your CBD Store Depew 5319 Transit Rd, Depew, NY 14043 (716) 393-3400
Your CBD Store Hamburg
4154 McKinley Pkwy Suite 800 Blasdell, NY 14219 (716) 649-1940
Your CBD Store Williamsville 8070 Transit Rd, Williamsville, NY 14221 (716) 458-0075
Your CBD Store Irondequoit 1971 East Ridge Road, Irondequoit, NY 14622 (585) 978-7441
Your CBD Store East Rochester
129 W Commercial St, East Rochester, NY 14445 (585) 485-0105
Head Shops & Glass Retailers
Art of Glass Smoke Shop on Delaware
3497 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14217
(716) 712-5347
Art of Glass Smoke Shop on the Boulevard
3154 Niagara Falls Blvd, Buffalo, NY 14228
(716) 712-5347
Buffalo Smokes 942 Maple Rd, Buffalo, NY 14221 (716) 906-3112
Buffalo Smokes
394 Evans St., Williamsville, NY 14221
(716) 458-0460
Buff City Smoke Shop 88 Lisbon Ave, Buffalo, NY 14214 (716) 464-3851
California Dreamin’ Smoke Shop
7806 Transit Rd, Buffalo, NY 14221
(716) 276-8714
Cannacopia 18 Jamestown St., Gowanda, NY 14070
Cloud 9 Smokes & Vapors on Elmwood 476 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY 14222
(716) 881-1100
Cloud 9 Smokes & Vapors on the Boulevard 1594 Niagara Falls Blvd, Tonawanda, NY 14150
(716) 831-8273
Cloud 9 Smokes & Vapors on Hertel
1567 Hertel Ave, Buffalo, NY 14216
(716) 836-1111
Decades Psychedelic Daze
2895 Seneca St, Buffalo, NY 14224
(716) 677-0311
Decades Too 6053 Transit Rd, Depew, NY 14043 (716) 681-4420
Decades III 2855 Sheridan Dr, Tonawanda, NY 14150 (716) 322-5631
Decades Hamburg 4514 Camp Rd, Hamburg, NY 14075 (716) 202-1953
Elevated Smoke Shop 7 Kelly Drive, Cheektowaga, NY 14227 (716) 322-6499
Galaxy Glass 3047 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14214 (716) 768-3687
Golden Pipe Smoke Shop Cheektowaga 3770 Harlem Rd, Cheektowaga, NY 14215 (716) 833-7473
Golden Pipe Smoke Shop Lackawanna 2540 Hamburg Tpk #3 Lackawanna, NY 14218 (716) 824-7473
Greener Mile 174 Orchard Park Rd, West Seneca, NY 14224 (716) 541-0790
Headspace Glass & Gifts Buffalo 67 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY 14201 (716) 844-8907
Headspace Glass & Gifts Tonawanda
920 Niagara Falls Blvd, Buffalo, NY 14223
(716) 837-0201
Headspace Glass & Gifts East Amherst 5989 Transit Rd, East Amherst, NY
428-5730
Headspace Glass & Gifts Orchard Park 4170 Southwestern Blvd., Orchard Park, NY 14127
648-1111
Local Smoke Shop 42 Allen St, Buffalo, NY 14202 (716) 881-0537
O’s Smoke Shop Lewiston 482 Center St, Lewiston, NY 14092 (716) 246-2241
O’s Smoke Shop Niagara Falls 1623 Pine Ave, Niagara Falls, NY 14301 (716) 371-2307
O’s Smoke Shop Town of Niagara 2027 Military Rd., Niagara Falls, NY
236+7367
Oasis Smoke Shop 4212 Union Rd, Cheektowaga, NY 14225
428-3567
Oasis Smoke Shop 1330 Niagara Falls Blvd, Tonawanda, NY 14150 (716) 931-9117
Oasis Smoke Shop 685 Dick Rd, Cheektowaga, NY 14225 (716) 901-7774
Oasis Smoke Shop 2 7474 Transit Rd, Williamsville, NY 14221
(716) 529-6001
Oasis Smoke Shop 1402 French Rd, Depew, NY 14043
Pot Patrol
3125 Walden Ave, Depew, NY 14043 (716) 800-9323
Prism Smoke Shop
1079 Union Rd, W.Seneca, NY 14224 (716) 671-8006
Shake N Daze
929 South Park Ave, Buffalo, NY 14220 (716) 257-8138
Shake N Daze Depew
5150 Broadway, Depew, NY 14043 (716) 257-8138
Shoot the Moon Headshop & Wholesale 2273 Saunders Settlement Rd, Sanborn, NY 14132 (716) 462-2605
Smoke World Smoke & Vape Shop 1050 Harlem Rd, Cheektowaga, NY 14227 (716) 931-5545
The Stash Jar
10255 Main Street, Clarence 14031
Tasty Clouds Vape & Smoke Shop 3173 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14214 (716) 602-3387
Terrapin Station
1172 Hertel Ave, Buffalo, NY 14216 (716) 874-6677
Village One Stop Smoke Shop 11 Commercial St, Angola, NY 14006 (716) 549-0393
Yeti Vape 1385 Abbott Rd, Lackawanna, NY 14218 (716) 768-1017
Hydroponics & Garden Supply Stores
Buffalo Roots Hydroponics & Organics
3231 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14214 (716) 240-9075
Gramps Garden 7820 Porter Rd, Niagara Falls, NY 14304 (716) 400-8698
Green Zone Hydroponics 2928 Southwestern Blvd. Orchard Park, NY 14127 (716) 677-9663
Harvest Moon Hydroponics 4204 Union Rd, Cheektowaga, NY 14225 (716) 634-8290
Indoor Gardens
3385 Harlem Rd, Buffalo, NY 14225 (716) 844-8375
Yeti Vape
1385 Abbott Rd, Lackawanna, NY 14218 (716) 768-1017
(716)
14051
(716)
14304 (716)
(716)
(716) 608-6777
26 CannaBuff.com | SUMMER 2023
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